Harvard international students 800 Indian Students Face Deportation Amid U.S. Crackdown: What You Need to Know

Date: May 23, 2025

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In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked Harvard University’s authorization to enroll and host international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This decision affects nearly 6,800 international students, including around 800 from India, and comes with a 72-hour deadline for Harvard to meet federal demands.

What’s Happening?

The DHS, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, terminated Harvard's SEVP certification citing concerns over campus safety following protests and alleged violent incidents. This action bars Harvard from admitting new international students and requires current foreign students to transfer to another SEVP-certified institution to maintain legal status.

The recent revocation of Harvard University’s SEVP certification has put thousands of Harvard international students at risk, including around 800 from India. Due to this decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Harvard can no longer enroll new foreign students, and current international students must transfer to other certified universities to maintain their visa status or face possible deportation. This sudden move has created significant uncertainty and disruption for many Harvard international students pursuing their academic goals.

What Does This Mean for Students?

• Visa Status: Students holding F-1 or J-1 visas must transfer to other certified universities to retain their visas.
• New Admissions: Harvard is prohibited from accepting new international students for the upcoming academic year.
• Deportation Risk: Failure to transfer in time could result in visa revocation and possible deportation.

DHS’s 72-Hour Conditions harvard international students

Harvard has been given 72 hours to comply with demands that include submitting records of:

• Any illegal, violent, or threatening activities involving non-immigrant students over the last five years
• Disciplinary records for international students
• Footage or documentation related to protests or other incidents on campus

Meeting these conditions could potentially restore Harvard’s ability to host international students.

Impact on Indian Students (harvard international students)

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Many Indian students, mostly enrolled in graduate and doctoral programs, face academic disruption, financial strain, and uncertainty regarding their immigration status. Support services are urgently assisting students with transfer options and legal advice.

Understanding SEVP

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program is the framework through which schools in the U.S. are certified to enroll international students and maintain their visa statuses via the SEVIS database. Losing SEVP certification means a university can no longer legally host international students.

Broader Implications harvard international students

This move reflects ongoing changes in U.S. immigration policy affecting international education, with potential long-term impacts on America’s standing as a destination for foreign students.

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What Should Affected Students Do?

1. Reach out to university advisors for transfer guidance.
2. Consult immigration experts about visa status and options.
3. Stay updated through official university and government channels.
4. The recent revocation of Harvard University’s SEVP certification has put thousands of Harvard international students at risk, including around 800 from India. Due to this decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Harvard can no longer enroll new foreign students, and current international students must transfer to other certified universities to maintain their visa status or face possible deportation. This sudden move has created significant uncertainty and disruption for many Harvard international students pursuing their academic goals.
5. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s recent decision to revoke Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification has created a crisis for thousands of Harvard international students. This move prevents Harvard from enrolling new foreign students and forces existing international students—including nearly 800 from India—to transfer to other SEVP-certified institutions to retain their legal visa status. Failure to do so could result in loss of visa privileges and potential deportation. The situation has caused widespread concern among the Harvard international students community, disrupting their academic plans and future prospects. Harvard has been given 72 hours to comply with federal demands to reinstate its certification, but the immediate impact on students remains uncertain. This development highlights the challenges faced by international students studying in the U.S. amid evolving immigration policies.